Mancao to govt: Try best to reverse Court of appeals ruling on Lacson

MANILA, Philippines--Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for former police officer Cezar Mancao, on Monday urged the government to do its best to reverse the Court of Appeals decision clearing Senator Panfilo Lacson of double murder for the death of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito.

Topacio said the pleadings filed by the Office of the Solicitor-General before the court is weak.

"We hope that with Solicitor General Jose Anselmo Cadiz, they will be able to raise stronger arguments to reverse the decision," Topacio said taking note of the capability of Cadiz, who is a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

At the same time, Mancao, who met with Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, maintained that there are no inconsistencies in his testimony contrary to the Court of Appeals ruling.

He said he is ready to reaffirm his testimony and he is not afraid despite the court's decision that cleared Lacson.

Also, the parties pushing for the prosecution of the senator will hold a joint conference to determine the next step to assail the decision of the Court of Appeals clearing him of plunder.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said they need to convene to discuss the merits and demerits of the case and determine their next step.

Last week, the Court of Appeals reversed the findings of probable cause issued by the Manila City Regional Trial Court Branch 18 and invalidated the warrant of arrest issued against the fugitive senator.

Meanwhile, counsel of the Dacer family Demetrio Custodio said his firm will file a motion for reconsideration before the Court of Appeals. (report from Tetch Torres, Inquirer.net)